Porch-Mounted Variable Reluctance Tendon Tension Sensor

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional porch-mounted tendon tension monitoring systems using compression load cells have limited service life, require frequent servicing, and incur high costs due to the need to remove tension from tendons for maintenance, while variable reluctance measurement technology sensors are more reliable but lack displacement sensitivity and space compatibility for such applications.

Innovation Solution

A porch-mounted tendon tension monitoring system utilizing optimized variable reluctance measurement technology sensors with increased wire turns and mechanical amplifiers, allowing for continuous force transmission and easier serviceability without tension removal, by measuring the gap between tendon connector flanges to calculate tendon tension.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional porch-mounted systems use load cell sensors, then initial cost is lower, but service life is limited to five to ten years and frequent servicing is required

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesensor reliabilityVSAvoidservice life

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent modifies the VRMT sensor parameters by increasing wire turns and incorporating mechanical amplifiers to enhance displacement sensitivity, enabling the sensor to function effectively in the porch-mounted configuration where it previously lacked sufficient sensitivity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces conventional load cell sensors with VRMT sensors that use magnetic field measurement instead of mechanical strain measurement, eliminating the need for physical contact with the tendon and enabling longer service life without frequent servicing

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If VRMT sensors are used in porch-mounted system, then reliability is improved, but displacement sensitivity is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesensor reliabilityVSAvoiddisplacement sensitivity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent incorporates mechanical amplifiers that convert small linear displacements into larger rotational movements, amplifying the displacement signal that the VRMT sensor needs to measure and thereby improving displacement sensitivity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent increases the number of wire turns in the VRMT sensor coil to enhance the magnetic coupling and improve the sensor's displacement sensitivity, allowing it to detect smaller changes in flange gap

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If conventional VRMT sensors are used, then reliability is improved, but space profile does not fit porch-mounted configuration

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesensor reliabilityVSAvoidsensor size

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent designs the VRMT sensor with a compact cylindrical structure that nests within the limited space between the tendon porch and the top connector assembly, fitting the confined installation environment

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

4Ease of repair

If porch-mounted system is serviced, then maintenance is required, but tension must be removed from tendon which incurs additional costs

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveserviceabilityVSAvoiddowntime for tension removal

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of repairVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the VRMT sensor from the load-bearing path by mounting it on the porch structure rather than in-line with the tendon, allowing the sensor to be removed and serviced independently without affecting the tendon tension or requiring platform shutdown

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

This configuration extends the service life of tendon tension monitoring systems, reduces maintenance intervals, and lowers operational costs by providing accurate and reliable measurements with improved sensor sensitivity and compact design.

Implementation Method 1

variable reluctance measurement technology sensors with increased wire turns and mechanical amplifiers, allowing for continuous force transmission and easier serviceability without tension removal, by measuring the gap between tendon connector flanges to calculate tendon tension

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectVariable reluctance measurement: Magnetic Reluctance

Data Source

PatentUS10882589B2Retrofit variable reluctance measurement technology tendon tension monitoring system

Publication Date: 2021.01.05 WELLS FARGO BANK NAT ASSOC

AI summary

The invention relates to floating platform mooring and involves an improved platform mounted tendon tension monitoring system with porch mounted variable reluctance measurement technology sensors configured. The variable reluctance measurement technology sensors of this system are optimized for porch mounting. The porch mounted tendon tension monitoring system can also be configured such that the porch-mounted optimized variable reluctance measurement technology sensors are replaceable. Sensors may be replaced to extend the desired useful lifetime of a tendon tension monitoring system or in the event that a sensor happens to malfunction. A plurality of variable reluctance measurement technology sensors can be configured in sensor packs at the corners or at other locations where tendon tension monitoring can be useful for a floating platform.